Color Me Blue(Ray)

Personally, I'd wait another month to see if Blu-Ray has any plans to release a sub-$700 standalone player. That's what I'm doing, anyway. If that doesn't happen, and I actually start to give a damn about the releases, I'll try to score a cheap G1 Samsung.

In all honesty, I would go with a PS3. It is so much more than a gaming machine, but is a great Blu-ray player. Determine if you would prefer to have the features of the 60gb model over the 20gb or not. If not, then $499 still gets you a great player.

It's not that the prices are out of my budget; it's because you don't really get your money's worth at current prices. I mean, the standalones don't support the new audio formats yet, and a couple of them won't even play standard CDs. I paid $500 for my HD DVD player, and it does a little more than the standalone Blu-Ray players. I don't want to spend any more than that for a player that does less. I realize BD has more titles, but I am not interested in any of them right now. That's what makes my decision to hold off a little easier, probably.

I bought the Sony BDP-S1 and it has been flawless in playing BDs and DVDs. I rejected the Pioneer as being $500 more expensive for the same performance, and I don't like the way it looks. I rejected the Panasonic because I don't like the way it looks as much as the Sony. Although the Panasonic plays CDs, I don't need that from an HD player. I rejected the Samsung because I view it as ugly, and it apparently has a chip with non-defeatable noise reduction which limits resolution (some claim a firmware update eliminates/reduces the problem).

Whatever you buy, you should research the features and make sure you're satisfied with what the first generation players provide. I was, so I bought.

I don't understand why people discount the PS3 as a Blu-Ray player. If you don't want to use it for gaming, don't. It will also function as a stand-alone Blu-Ray player if that's the only kind of disc you insert into the drive.

If you leave the PS3 off and insert a Blu-Ray disc, the PS3 will turn on and go directly to the Blu-Ray disc. It's like bypassing the PS3 OS. How is this any different than a standalone player?

It will play Audio CDs, mp3's, SACD's, DVD's and Blu-Ray's. It has online functionality and will probably be updated (via online) to support BD-Live.

The one and ONLY thing I can see about using the PS3 as a standalone player is the fact that the external remotes are Bluetooth only. I have the PS3 Bluetooth remote and it works exactly like a standalone DVD player's remote. This is only an issue if you want to try to program a universal remote to control the PS3.

I look at the other features as a value added bonus to my PS3. Things like playing games, watching high-def photo slide shows directly from my memory card that I immediately pulled out of my camera, and browsing the internet are just added bonus'.

I agree. I bought a PS3 for Blu Ray only and it's a steal at $500.

What's so hard to understand? Some people aren't like you. It's that simple.

you could always use a ps2 to usb transformer and the IR control from the ps2 :

http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/24/c...ion-3-with-ir/

Although I only own a PS3 (so can't really comment on other BD players), I've been very pleased with it so far ... even if you don't game, you can still get some extra kickers like photo slide shows, some downloaded content (e.g. movie trailers), some free download demo games (e.g. MotorStorm, Gran Turismo HD, Soduko, etc.). Been very pleased with the unit so far ... had 1 lockup (while editing) with about 300+ hours of enjoyment watching (HDMI) connected to a 70" Sony SXRD XBR2. I am slowly becoming a gamer ...

Some people just want a stand alone blue ray player.

I'd honestly rethink the PS3. Sony has been good (thus far) at upgrading it via firmware than any standalone player.

Sony is Trojan Horsing your arse!

The Panny is a sweet machine. You won't be dissapointed. I've heard good things about the Pioneer, but I haven't used it.

Yeah. I guess some people prefer to pay more to get the same or less.

What do I care? It's not my money.

In fact, I'm glad there are people out there willing to purchase other manufactures' Blu-Ray players. If there wasn't a market for them, there would be less support for such a great format.

That's your opinion. If people agreed with you, they wouldn't buy standalones.

I have both the Panasonic and Pioneer units. They are both great units. If you want every ounce of performance, then go with the Pioneer, otherwise you won't be disappointed with the Panasonic!

I have been on the HD only side for a few months but After CES and and the fact I already own 11 HD and I DO like my Toshiba A2 , Im keeping HD And buying a BR player in April or so, Most likely a PS3 because I want a SAcd player ( Dark Side of the Moon) too. I have NEVER been a PS(anything) fan. I had a PS1 for like 6 month and it died and I took back the PS2 2 months because I was not impressed with it, So I hope the PS3 doesn't disappoint me.

Since there seems to be quite a lot of demand, it is only a matter of time before someone introduces a usb infrared dongle.

Why do BD fans get al "uppity" and "snotty" when people discount the PS3. I had the Ps3 and returned it for several reasons...Its ugly as all hell and destroys the look of my HT...The god forsaken Bluetooth remote...pleeaasseee. Everything is IR. I got a Harmony remote to control my HT and I am not going back to adding remotes. It dosen't upscale DVDs.

I am waiting on a stand alone BD player that is aactually worth the money. Since BD has already claimed victory prices should drop like a rock...right? I'll enjoy my A2 until something worth having comes out of the Blu Ray camp.

You gave an important reason... imagine a high-end theater environment, and explaining to the wife an kids "Okay, use the Universal remote to control to control the entire system like you always do... and oh by the way, if you want to watch a Blu-ray movie, use this other remote or PS3 controller to control the PS3."

-T

Yes. I can see how that would be worth the $300 to $1,000 difference to buy a standalone blu-ray player.

Listen, I understand people have preferences. Cool. If you got the money, spend it how you will. I was merely giving the guy reasons to consider the PS3.

HEY!!! None of that here...Honest opinions I mean. If your not spreading FUD or bashing HD DVD/Blu Ray, then post nothing AT ALL!


obviously I'm joking

There's no good reason to discount the PS3. Sure, you might not like the looks and if that's important to you then go for the best looking box. I can see the bluetooth remote argument, but frankly I think Bluetooth is much better than IR and you can even buy the IR adaptor if you're that bothered.

No upscaling, but there's a good chance things will change. I guess what I'm saying is don't get the PS3 if you don't want but don't automatically dismiss it just because it's not a standalone.

I am surprised at the number of grumpy people on these boards People on these boards are here to give opinions and their experiences. Some of you seem to forget that!!
I have a samsung player and a PS3 and I agree with many others on here, I would buy a PS3, it's a very good blu-ray player. The picture quality is outstanding. I have also seen the Panasonic and it is very good as well. Here is what I would recommend if money is no object

1) Panasonic or Sony
2) PS 3
3) Samsung

Just find a store that has a good return policy and try out a blu-ray player. If you don't like it, return it and try something else (like HD DVD.....just kidding....I can imagine the steam coming out all your ears....seriously people, take it easy...you are all going to have heart attacks!!)

I'd get the philips at this price:

Philips BDP9000 Blu-Ray Disc Player $599.00 at Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Philips-BDP90...8163513-2052654

Wow take a deep breath...I used to feel the same way as you do...but I want all the HD now...I own a A2, I use it for HD and SD and I also have Shinny PS3 20GB for BD. I have a Harmon Kardon TC30 remote and a Sony BD remote and can honestly say it's No big deal...it's all good.

Here's what I did and I love this setup on the cheap!

Toshiba A2...$389.00 plus 3 free movies. Pricematch BB.
Sony PS3 20GB...$349.00 after $150.00 credit back from Sony Credit Card Promotion.
Total $738.00 plus tax

IMO...This format war will be around for a long time..No One No's what the outcome will be...so I say Enjoy all the HD now.

Oh by the way I have a new hobby after 55 yrs old...Gaming! BANG! BANG!

"Oh by the way I have a new hobby...Gaming! BANG!"

Another Trojan Horse victummm